How to install a fireplace surround with a marble, granite, or Slate.

If applicable, unpack the legs and riser from the box and inspect for damage that may have occurred during shipment.If you find damage to any of the fireplace mantel kits, immediately report it to the truck driver and note on your bill of lading.The pieces should be on the floor.

We recommend the use of Micore board or a similar product to create a buffer between the floor and the hearth.The additional flame retardance is provided by this.The Micore should be placed with the face of the marble facing the firebox.See fig.It will be easier to center it on the Micore.Leave two places for handholds and a couple of "squiggly" lines in the center of the hearth.Don't have any voids around the perimeter that could cause a corner to break if someone stepped on it.If held flat for any length of time, the weight of the marble can cause it to crack, which is the most critical time for the installation.

Since the weight of the piece helps keep it in place, it's not necessary to apply large amounts of glue.If it were to break, it would be easier to remove it.Make sure you cover the entire perimeter of the hearth with glue and don't round the corners.If the floor is not level before the hearth is installed, use a thin set bed underneath it.The glue should be placed on the sheet rock since it will absorb the water.It is recommended that you do not use a water-based glue for Verde Oriental Dark or Venatino marble.When installed with a water-based adhesive, green marbles will produce a white fungus on the surface, in addition to usually warping.It's a good idea to avoid petroleum glues, which can stain or etch marble.Liquid Nails is not recommended as it can bleed through marble.Allow time for the glue to cure if there is bleeding.It will cure out most of the time.We recommend Leech F-26 Construction Adhesive, which has been tested as safe for all stones, and may be purchased from us.Oz.For sizes 1 and 2, there are two cartridges.F-26 must be allowed to cure for 10 days to prevent flammability.If there is other construction in progress, please cover the hearth with some type of protective covering such as carpet or plastic to prevent any scratches, chips or paint splatters.

Measure for the legs and check the sides of the fireplace to make sure they are the right length. Mantels Direct is happy to cut your fireplace surround facing kit for a nominal fee, if one of our standard sizes does.We recommend a dry cut marble blade as it will give you the best cut, short of using a wet saw.It will give you a bad cut if you try to cut more than 20% with a dry blade.Don't let the piece you are cutting fall free if you make your cuts on a level surface.To protect the marble from scratches, tape it with masking tape.If there is a chip on the unfinished edge, it will be hidden by the mantle leg and you should begin your cut at the polished edge.The polished side of the marble should be cut.